Filipino Chess Masters Triumph at World Senior Championships

The 32nd World Senior Chess Championship, held in Porto Santo, Portugal, from November 17th to 24th, saw a remarkable showing from Filipino chess players. The tournament, featuring around two hundred players competing across various age categories, boasted a prize fund of €42,500. Filipino International Master (IM) Chito Garma secured a stunning victory in the blitz category, while FIDE Master Mario Mangubat earned a well-deserved bronze medal.

Garma's Golden Blitz Performance

Garma's performance was nothing short of exceptional. Supported by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP), and PAGCOR, he dominated the blitz competition. His eight victories and single loss secured him the gold medal in this fast-paced event, which followed a three-minute plus two-second increment time control format. Among his defeated opponents were several highly ranked International Masters and FIDE Masters, showcasing his superior skill and strategic prowess. The win, a testament to his years of dedication and experience, included victories over Marat Primbetov (Kazakhstan), IM Ilgar Bajarani (Azerbaijan), IM Devaki Prasad (India), FM Richard Vedder (Netherlands), IM Aitkazy Baimurzin (Kazakhstan), IM Silvia Alexieva (France), IM Stefan Loeffler (Germany), and FM Pablo Alexander Ruiz Aguilar (Colombia). His only defeat came against FM Victor Plotkin of Canada in the fifth round. "I am very happy with my victories. It’s an early Christmas gift to me. Thank God for the blessings," Garma shared, expressing gratitude to his sponsors and supporters. This victory secured Garma's place among the top senior chess players globally.

A Hard-Fought Battle to the Top

Garma's journey wasn't without its challenges. In the standard event, he faced tough competition, including an initial loss to Nigerian Paul Obiahiwe in the first round. However, his subsequent victories against Michael Hoffman of Germany and Tomasz Sielicki of Poland demonstrated his resilience and ability to adapt to different opponents. His final victory against Lithuanian Grandmaster Maxin Novik secured his place among the top contenders, exhibiting his remarkable strategic understanding and tactical precision. Even against the famous Sicilian Defense, Garma displayed mastery, stating, "It was a tough match playing against the famous Sicilian Defense. I'll defend well." The support from the PSC, NCFP, and PAGCOR significantly contributed to his success. Garma's consistent performance in the tournament also highlighted the rising strength of Filipino chess players on the international stage. He stated that this gold medal is an early Christmas gift. He thanked God for the blessings. He extended his gratitude to all his sponsors.

Mangubat's Bronze Medal Triumph

In the 65+ category, FIDE Master Mario Mangubat from Minglanilla, Cebu, also made his mark. Supported by Minglanilla Mayor Rajiv Enad, PSC, NCFP, and PAGCOR, he secured the bronze medal with a strong 5.5 points. Mangubat's performance showcased the depth of talent within the Filipino chess community. "It was a tough match. I thank God for this achievement," he stated modestly, after a hard-fought tournament that challenged his skills and resilience. His performance in the 65+ category reflects the growing competitiveness of Filipino chess players in international tournaments. His bronze medal adds to the overall success of the Filipino team.

A Consistent Performance

Mangubat's journey included a draw with Michael Strokes of England in a Modern Defense game, securing him a crucial point in his quest for the bronze medal. He described the draw as a "lucky" outcome despite being in a potentially losing position. This draw came amidst a challenging match and was viewed as an "awesome gift" coinciding with his 66th birthday. The event underscored the dedication and commitment of the Filipino players.

Bagamasbad's Contentious Performance

Another Filipino participant, IM Jose Efren Bagamasbad, showed his mettle, albeit with a slightly lower score of 4.0 points. While he didn't achieve a podium finish, his presence and efforts contributed to the team's overall success. His participation in the tournament showcased the growing strength of Filipino chess players in the international arena. His dedication and experience also set an example for aspiring Filipino chess players.

A Winning Strategy for the Future

The Filipino team's performance in the World Senior Chess Championship is a source of national pride. The successes of Garma and Mangubat, along with the strong showing from Bagamasbad, demonstrate the effectiveness of the support provided by the PSC, NCFP, and PAGCOR. Their combined efforts highlight the importance of national investment in sports and the potential for Filipino athletes to achieve international success. The experience gained and the medals secured will surely motivate future generations of chess players. The future of Filipino chess looks bright indeed.